Poll: Who will step in at centerback?

With Heath Pearce set to miss time with a hamstring injury, Chivas USA will likely be without their veteran defender for the first time this season. Before his injury, the converted centerback had played every single minute this season, the only player on the team to do so.

With Pearce out for a while, Coach Robin Fraser has to decide who to pair with Michael Umaña in the center of defense. And so do you. We want to know what you think- which defender would you start at centerback to fill-in for Pearce? Check out the options below and vote for your choice.

Andrew Boyens
The 27-year-old Kiwi has played in 8 games this season, starting 7. He scored a goal in a late May game against the Crew, and has experience pairing with Umaña during early season reserve games.

David Junior Lopes
The giant Brazilian defender is one of the newest Goats. He has played in two games this season, as a substitute against Seattle and most recently, starting and playing ninety minutes in last weekend’s 1-0 loss to RSL.

Ben Zemanski
The second-year player is really a midfielder, but can play center-back when called upon, as he did earlier this year. Zemanski brings a calming influence and organization to the backline that might help replace some of what the team loses with Pearce’s absence.

Zarek Valentin
The rookie is recovering from an injury himself, but should return before Pearce. He has played all positions along the backline this season, including center-back. Heath’s roommate and self-proclaimed understudy, Zarek might be the natural choice to fill in.